Blog: The Advantages of Studying at an International School

Jun 01, 2016

Many parents put a lot of thought and deliberation into choosing a school for their children. After all, educational institutions often employ different teaching approaches and curriculum that influence each child's lifelong learning. If you have felt overwhelmed about deciding between the many schooling options, you're not alone.

While each educational institution has its own set of advantages, international schools provide a unique edge to children.

Consider the following advantages of attending an international school as you decide on which educational institution is right for your child.

Exposure to New Cultures

Most international schools adhere to international curriculum. This curriculum often incorporates an appreciation for other world cultures into the learning process. Many international schools use a curriculum that is used and accepted around the world.

As international schools teach children an appreciation for world culture, the children experience a variety of cultures and people. Many children benefit from these cultural experiences and learn how to work with people from diverse backgrounds.

Additionally, children will often have classmates and teachers that come from diverse countries. Students can experience and learn about these different cultures firsthand. Your child will have the unique opportunity to discover the differences and similarities in other cultures compared to his or her own culture.

Children that attend international schools can gain insight and confidence now to deal with other cultures and people in the future. Many students in international schools reported that studying with peers from different cultures helped them better appreciate the world around them.

Growth in Personality

Most international schools celebrate differences in culture and personality. Often, this appreciation for difference fosters an emotional maturity in children. Your child will likely gain lifelong friendships with other children from countries around the world.

International students also tend to work through daily challenges regarding language barriers. Students even learn to live on their own, which often fosters a sense of independence. Children who learn to overcome the challenges presented in international schools usually gain confidence and maturity in the process.

Participation in More Extracurricular Activities

International schools will often include extracurricular activities within their curriculum. These activities can help children find and develop new skills. For instance, students can learn to be creative and develop unique imagination through extracurricular activities like debate teams, math leagues, robotics, and destination imagination.

When children excel in new activities, they gain confidence in newfound talents. Children who participate in extracurricular activities are also less likely to exhibit behavior problems. Extracurricular activities are a great way for children to learn how to focus and cooperate with other children.

Children can even develop problem solving and critical thinking skills as they participate in new activities.

Gaining More Career Opportunities

Many businesses today operate on a global scale. Employers look for individuals who have experience working with other cultures. Such individuals tend to be more effective when collaborating with people from various cultures.

Most students who attend international schools will also learn more than one language. Many employers see multilingualism as a desired trait.

Even individuals who are only bilingual can successfully carry out international business tasks with ease. Children who study at international schools can feel confident when looking for career opportunities because of their exposure to various world cultures and languages.

In addition, some studies suggest that international students will attend college and university more frequently than children in public schools. In fact, students who have studied internationally are often at an advantage when it comes to finding a job.

Students who attend international schools can benefit from all of these distinct advantages. If you are interested in registering your child in an international school, contact the International School of Minnesota for more information.